Everything you need to know about conservatories

A conservatory is a fantastic addition to any home. It creates an extra living space for friends and family to enjoy, it floods the house with natural light and offers panoramic views of the garden. However, before you contact your local installation team and commit to a purchase, you are likely to have a number of questions and it can often be worth doing a little research first.

Here we offer the ultimate ‘beginner’s guide’ to conservatories – putting together all the relevant information and answering your questions and queries regarding this popular home improvement.

What is a conservatory?

Essentially, a conservatory is a type of extension for your home. They are usually built onto the back of the house, leading out into the garden, and are made from either a uPVC, timber or aluminium frame – with large, glazed panels of glass throughout. Strictly speaking, 50% of the side walls and 75% of the roof should be made from glass (or an alternative translucent material). However, it is now possible to choose a solid roof conservatory – whereby the roof is fitted with opaque tiles.

Do I need planning permission for a conservatory?

In short, the answer is no – as long as it does not cover more than half of your garden, you should not need planning permission for your home conservatory. However, there are a few exceptions; for example, if your home is a listed building or in a conservation area. It is a good idea to check with your local authority and get any permissions firmly in place before you go ahead with the project.

Are conservatories hot in the summer and cold in the winter?

You’ve probably heard people say, ‘conservatories are too hot in the summer, too cold in the winter’. But rest assured, this simply isn’t true. If a conservatory is built professionally, with high-quality materials, it can usually be enjoyed all-year-round and won’t lead to costly energy bills!

Here at JWS Home Improvements, all of our conservatories are constructed with energy-efficient double-glazed windows and can be installed with both underfloor heating and radiators. We strive to use large double doors as much as possible, which open out to let in the fresh summer air, and – regardless of the time of year – the room will remain at a constant comfortable temperature.

Are there different types of conservatory available?

Conservatories come in a variety of different shapes, styles, sizes, and colours and there is something to suit every home and taste. For example, here at JWS, we currently offer four different conservatory designs, and our team of experts can offer tailored advice on which is the best for you.

Edwardian conservatories are, by far, the most popular option – square or rectangular in shape, practical in design and perfect for both classic and contemporary properties. We also currently offer traditional Victorian conservatories, with a curved window to the front, and a range of modern and bespoke designs. Whatever you have in mind, we can help to create your perfect space.

How long does it take to install a conservatory?

On average, a conservatory will take about 3-4 weeks to complete; however, this can vary depending on the size and style of the project. The installation team will strive to make the process as quick and hassle-free as possible, minimising disruption and offering regular updates on their progress. It may seem like a big job, but thanks to the knowledge and experience of staff at JWS, getting your dream conservatory may be a lot quicker and easier than you think!

Contact JWS today for high-quality conservatory designs

Whether you’ve never had a conservatory before or are looking to upgrade, JWS are here to help. We currently offer a comprehensive range of Edwardian, Victorian, Modern, Bespoke and Solid Roof Conservatory Designs and our services cover local areas such as St. Helens, Wigan and Warrington.

Download our brochure today to find out more and, if you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch via email at info@jwshome.co.uk. Either give us a call on 01744 747030 or fill out our handy online contact form.

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